The Christmas scene on the Sound, a happy Chanukah celebration, and the end of an era in the Barbican

As we get towards Christmas, the pace of naval activity slackens – of course, it never fully stops. Somewhere at sea, there will be a ‘Bomber’ on patrol, and there will be a Frigate or Destroyer at short notice to go to sea. But as far as the scene on the Sound goes, it will be quiet, writes Beagle maritime correspondent, The Captain.

This week, there were two frigates – HMS Portland and HMS Somerset anchored in the Sound. They both came in this morning and, it is safe to assume, will be about to start their Christmas leave period, when as many as possible of the Ship’s Company get to go home.

Our Dutch visitor, HNlMS Evertsen, left here last Saturday morning and has been conducting live firings on the ranges at Aberporth in Cardigan Bay. This is the final part of her training with FOST. She will head home to Den Helder, the main Dutch naval base.

HMS Dragon has also been here conducting OST and she was back in for a Staff boat transfer on Wednesday evening and then departed for – I am sure – her home port of Portsmouth.

Probably the final naval movement of the year will be the arrival back from the Topmast World Deployment of the Navy’s tanker, RFA Tideforce. She took the long way home from the Far East – via South Africa.

Just in case you think that there will be nothing happening in the Sound, the Armorique is back and will be on the Roscoff route for the rest of the year.

So, there we are for 2025. I hope to be back next year and hope that the West Hoe Harbour will still have two protective walls….!

Plymouth Hannukah event in wake of Bondi attrocity

The new Plymouth Jewish Community CIC has launched, with one of its directors saying he hoped it would help “build a community among Jewish people who feel isolated”.

A ceremony to light a giant menorah in the city was attended by more than 100 people this week. Candles were lit by Rabbi Mendy Singer and prayers were read.

Tom Godwin, one of the directors of the CIC, said:

“We want Jewish life in Plymouth to be a bit more present, assertive, and for people to be proud and safe.

“It feels really important that the Jewish community regionally know we’re doing that work, working with people, creating new networks so they don’t have to hide. I think there’s a feeling amongst people that they want to stand alongside Jewish individuals here to say we won’t be cowered by those that seek to do us harm.

“There is a lot of work to do around making Jews in this country feel safe,” he added.

There was a small police presence during the ceremony, which came days after the Bondi Beach attrocity in Australia, when 15 people were killed attending a Hannukah celebration.

Popular Barbican cafe closes

The Flower Cafe in Southside Street has announced its closure, prompting an outpouring of messages saying how much the popular venue and its legendary hot chocolate drinks will be missed.

Posting on Facebook, the owners wrote: “It is with great sadness that we must announce that The Flower Cafe is now permanently closed. We want to thank our amazing team for all of their hard work, commitment and dedication.

“We are truly grateful for all your support, loyalty and kindness. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”

The cafe was founded in 2012 by mother-and-daughter team Michelle Clark and Shelley Whiting and was taken over by new owners earlier this year.

Dozens of people posted their commiserations on social media.